Dental Science deals with all health problems afflicting the mouth, the teeth,
the gums and the other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. It is a rapidly
changing field creating many opportunities and challenges. It also includes cosmetology
where the dentists try to improve the patients' appearance by using a wide variety
of cosmetic dental procedures. Some of the specialization areas of dentistry are
as follows.

• Orthodontics deals with straightening and aligning teeth and jaws
• Periodontics specializes in the care of gums and the diseases that might afflict
them
• Operative Dentistry or Endodontics for root canal jobs, fillings and cosmetic
surgery
• Prosthodontics involves the making of artificial teeth
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery deals specifically with operations on the mouth
and jaw
• Pediatric Dentistry for treating children
• Oral Pathology provides the diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth

Eligibility

The candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with at
least 50% marks are eligible for admission in the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS)
course. The All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam conducted by the CBSE
is common for both the MBBS and the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS).

The candidate willing to be a dentist must have patience, stamina to work hard for
long periods, good health, cool temperament, strong interpersonal skills, concentration
power, manual dexterity and accuracy along with a keen eye for detail.

Job Scope and Career Options

There are excellent employment opportunities available for dentists in dental departments
in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics and health departments as well as teaching
departments in dental colleges. Also, the dentists can work in the Research and
Advisory functions of a pharmaceutical and other companies producing oral care products
and medicines like toothpaste, mouth wash, gum care products, etc. Many dentists
also prefer a self-employment which is also a promising avenue.